“You can’t confuse votes with love.”
Over the first four episodes of the miniseries, Mayor Nick Wasicsko’s storyline has been the main interest-grabber, the anchor in a show populated by its fair share of scattered plots. In these final two episodes, things switch up a bit, the previously disjointed residents’ storylines coming together beautifully as Nick fades into the background. And it’s not that there’s less time devoted to the former mayor; it’s just that Yonkers is moving on from him, fading “the face of this ugly mess” out. He without a doubt did some good in this city, but it ultimately ends up being the cruel beast of politics that pushes him downward.
A big problem with politics is that people oftentimes take action only when they get something for themselves. Policy becomes more about the good of the individual rather than the good of the whole, and that type of mentality leads to gridlock, extreme pettiness, and an all around crappy situation. When Wasicsko talks about “being part of a team” with Zaleski, you can see the discomfort on his face, the bitterness that still exists due to loss. “I’m not gonna be ignored,” he says later, and you get the sense that remaining relevant and protecting his reputation are the main driving forces behind his actions. As Nay says, he’s playing politics with their lives, and he ends up screwing over relationships as a result. “Do you really believe in anything other than yourself?” he’s asked.
The rest of the closing hours are focused on people trying to believe in anything other than themselves, on people forming communities and “doing things neighbors are supposed to do”. Yes, injustice is perpetual in this society, but Bob Mayhawk poses an interesting question that addresses that issue: “Did you come here to make your lives and the lives of your family different?” Even though “different does not always mean better”, it’s still different. In fact, we can draw this to the idea of politics, as politicians often strike at our collective desire for change. Progress around us can most certainly be as slow-moving as molasses, but we all want some type of home and will do what we can do obtain it. We will strive for something different if we have to.
And so, as the miniseries makes this final point, it leaves us with beautiful moments like poodle lady stopping to talk and Mary and Doreen having a fun conversation on the porch. It also leaves us with the funeral of Nick Wasicsko, a flawed man who was eventually corrupted in a way by the corrupt, someone whose downfall sped up after his city moved on without him (yet found its roots in his earliest political beginnings). Finally, the show leaves us with pictures of the real men and women who were–and still are–involved in this story, a story about a crumbling system that was able to put some of the pieces back together.
Part 5 Grade: A-
Part 6 Grade: A-
Miniseries Grade: A-
OTHER THOUGHTS:
-That scene between Norma and Nick is absolutely fantastic. We really don’t see him interact with the people he’s trying to help throughout the series, but here, the short exchange speaks volumes. I also really love that scene at the housing lottery; he’s sitting there, but he can’t draw much satisfaction or happiness from the situation.
– “Low income doesn’t mean low class. The problem begins with the language that’s used.” An important point. Language is a powerful force in this society, especially when it comes to empty political speak.
-Oscar Isaac is the best.
-Yet another great show by David Simon. I definitely look forward to whatever he has in store for us next.
Photo credit: HBO, Show Me a Hero
Polar Bears Watch TV 
What exactly happened at desmond hotel?
I don’t think we’re told, but it’s implied that he cheated on her.
no he didn’t. she just said that to upset the apple cart & to get his Missus to vote for her as as Nick went against her. she was using his gloves off/no loyalty tactics.
All I can say is I’m glad this wasn’t an episodic TV show as it would have never made it past the initial 2 eps. for me. While it had a few moments here and there, and good acting, it was rather slow and plodding for the most part, with separate storylines which themselves might have been more interesting. As it was..I stuck with it because I knew it was only going to be 6 hrs..and the Springsteen thing.. still gives me a bit of a laugh though! 😀
it was reflecting real life, so no wasn’t at a blistering pace. at the same time though it focused on the main same issue, the housing, it also jumped forwards enough & included other story lines ,i loved it. sad though that Billie Rowan did get evicted in the end due to her feckless/murderous ‘man’. i hope she got shut of him for good & that her life worked out for her.